The College offers a wide range of professional, technical and vocational courses, from entry level up to and including degree level. There is plenty on offer for school leavers, as well as for people looking to upskill to improve their promotion or employability prospects and anyone at a career crossroads who wants an additional qualification. Curriculum staff, careers advisors and support staff will be available to discuss options, assist with the enrolment process and provide information on student support.
A mother of two, from Cookstown, who completed a Higher education (HE) course at Northern Regional College is encouraging other mature students to follow her lead and explore HE options in their local area. Caroline Nugent attended the College’s Magherafelt campus as a part-time student for two years achieving an Access Diploma in Social Sciences.
Caroline’s career goal is to become a midwife and September, she starts a Midwifery degree at Queen’s University. “Dreams can come true with right course, the right attitude and dedication to see it through,” said Caroline.
She continued: “The Access Diploma has been life changing for me, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Courses like this can be a platform for success as they create opportunities and help students go further. I would encourage anyone who wants to progress to university or climb the career ladder to check out the HE options in their area. It was my pathway to university, and, in the longer term, I know that this will improve my employability.”
After GCSE’s, Caroline did a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science with a view do working in a lab but the experience of having her own children changed her mind. She said: “I was so impressed with the supportive role of midwives and felt this was something I could do if I put my mind to it.”
She admitted that her desire to provide a better life for her children really drove her on: “I’m a single parent in my ‘thirties with two young children and I just want to do my best for them. They were my motivation to do well as I knew my options would be limited if I didn’t go back to the books. I realise that I’m fortunate to have a supportive family who also want me to do well, but if I can do it, anyone can.”
Acknowledging the guidance and support of her lecturers at Northern Regional College, Caroline said: “They are wonderfully talented and helped me on my way towards achieving my dream of becoming a midwife. Thanks to them, I’m well prepared. I feel a lot more confident in my ability and looking forward to going to university and pursuing a fulfilling career as a midwife.”
In addition to the Access to University Diploma which provides mature students like Caroline with an alternative route to progress to full-time and part-time higher education, Northern Regional Colleges offers other full time and part time HE courses, including: Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates/Diplomas and Degree, as well as a wide range of FE (Further Education) courses.
The good news is that it’s not too late to apply. Whether you want to climb the career ladder, change your career direction, progress to university or just learn something new for fun, there is something for everyone at Northern Regional College. The Advice Evenings take place at the College’s campuses in Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey on Thursday, September 2 between 4 and 6 pm.